REVIEWS OF THE CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT SOURCEBOOK

The Chronic Pain Management Sourcebook was well reviewed upon publication and afterwards.

Some complete reviews and excerpts from experts who endorsed the book are included here. These include reviews from The Pain Practitioner, the North American Chronic Pain Association of Canada, and an excerpt from the introduction to the book by Malin Dollinger, MD.

from THE PAIN PRACTITIONER

by Kathryn A. Weiner, PhD

This is an invaluable book for chronic pain sufferers. Complex information is provided in an easily understandable, concise and useable manner. The author makes it clear from the onset that individuals who actively take responsibility for the management of their chronic pain are more likely to get the most out of life, despite their pain. He admonishes chronic pain sufferers to not fall into negative ideation which, most commonly, causes them to see themselves as passive, dependent invalids. The majority of this book outlines the means by which chronic pain sufferers can learn to manage the challenge of living with pain.

The Chronic Pain Management Sourcebook provides a wealth of easily understood information regarding mind-body connection, definitions of chronic pain, mechanisms of pain, physiology of pain, physical conditioning, nutrition, social support, stress, medications, surgery and resources. The author gives readers many tools which empower them to take control of their condition and to participate in the diagnosis and management of their pain. I would recommend this book for any individual who has chronic pain.

from THE NORTH AMERICAN CHRONIC PAIN ASSOCIATION OF CANADA TRACK:

By Christine Hugel, Editor

David Drum is a health and business writer whose recent publication, The Chronic Pain Management Sourcebook, provides a thorough, clearly written discussion of chronic pain, its nature and coping mechanisms. The topics are organized as follows:

Chapter 1: Basic overview of chronic pain, its prevalence and cost to society

Chapter 2: Treatment including some strategies at major pain clinics, how a pain specialist might diagnose and assess pain.

Chapter 3: Biology of chronic pain – the mechanisms that create pain in the nervous system, survey of the major types of chronic pain.

Chapter 4: Emotional and psychological elements

Chapter 5: The milder, more conservative types of medical treatment including physical therapy, hot and cold treatments, TENS, and acupuncture. The role of exercise in reversing the physical unfitness which often makes the pain worse.

Chapter 6: Role of nutrition and diet.

Chapter 7: Importance of social support, including interactions with friends and family, support groups and spirituality.

Chapter 8: Stress-relieving therapy in pain control such as relaxation therapy, visualization and biofeedback.

Chapter 9: Some of the drugs used and how to use them.

Chapter 10: Possible surgeries.

Chapter 11: Pain relief for cancer patients.

Chapter 12: Potential new treatments of the future.

In one section, the author suggests more productive ways of viewing one’s pain than focusing on it as an intrusive, frustrating, stressful or overwhelming event. Responses such as taking narcotic medication, seeking treatment at the hospital emergency ward, isolating yourself, tensing muscles, and engaging in negative self-talk contribute to the pain cycle. Three other suggested ways of conceptualizing the pain are:

Pain as a teacher or reminder – For some people, as in incidents of acute pain, pain may come from physical overexertion or emotional stresses such as arguments. Being aware of what might have contributed to the pain and avoiding or taking precautions against this may help in the long run.

Pain as an opponent – Rather than viewing pain as a victor who has won the battle, it can be viewed as a clever opponent who aims to get you upset , depressed, or start taking drugs, or who wants to disrupt your life and social relationships. You can choose to channel your anger or energy into keeping this opponent at bay by not doing these things and instead engage in healthy, long-term coping activities and preventative actions.

Pain as a survivable event – The author explains that much like a surfer riding the waves or a forest animal weathering a squall, intense pain episodes can be seen as natural events with a beginning and an end. You can survive these by gliding through them without the energy-depleting tension and frustration that contribute to the pain cycle.

A copy of the book is available at the NACPAC Head Office.

from the INTRODUCTION by Malin Dollinger, MD, FACP

Where to you start on your journey to relief from chronic pain? You may spend days and weeks going from one doctor to another, from one pain clinic to another, trying this or that remedy, whether it is pills, shots, skin patches, heat or cold, nerve blocks, TENS units, or acupuncture. And indeed, you should not fail to get the best professional help you can. But first, read this book. The Chronic Pain Management Sourcebook is an ideal place to start. David Drum has become the spokesperson for all of the pain relief professionals, whose wide spectrum of information has been merged into this useful book. He has created for you an easy-to-understand, well-written, comprehensive summary of everything you might wish to know -- indeed, need to know -- about chronic pain. He discusses the causes and patterns of chronic pain, the choices of treatment and management, the places, people, and clinics to consult, and the wide spectrum of treatments choices that you have. This thoughly researched book also contains information on diet, physical conditioning, social support, and stress, and a helpful list of organizations and places to seek additional information. Pain is universal. This book will become the universal companion and friend to sufferers from chronic pain.